MINI salt spreading machines will be used to ensure schools and doctors’ surgeries stay open if snow starts falling in the New Forest.

And extra roadside salt bins are being distributed to help motorists stuck in the slippery conditions.

Following a comprehensive review this year, Hampshire County Council has tweaked its major and secondary salting routes.

And, for the first time, a network of Community Salt Routes has been identified for early snow clearance.

As well as opening up links with GP surgeries and village schools they will ensure people can get to other important community facilities such as day centres.

Costing an additional £250,000 county-wide, the service involves a fleet of nine mini-spreaders provided by the county roads contractor Amey.

Two Community Salt Routes will be provided in the New Forest: one covering the eastern area including Beaulieu, and the other to the west taking in towns and villages such as Lymington, Sway, Ringwood, Poulner, Rockford, Damerham and Hale.